Answer :
Final answer:
A person choking should be assisted if they cannot make sounds, have quiet or silent coughs, or if they indicate they are choking. Signs include difficulty speaking and labored breathing, and steps to help include back slaps, the Heimlich maneuver, and seeking emergency care.
Explanation:
An adult or child victim who is choking should be assisted when they:
Cannot make sounds.
Have a cough that is quiet or has no sound.
Tell you they are choking.
Being able to tell if someone is choking is crucial for providing the right type of aid. Symptoms of choking include being unable to speak or cry out, labored breathing, gasping, or wheezing, and desperately clutching at the throat or mouth. A person may start to turn blue due to lack of oxygen and can become unconscious in just a few minutes if the obstruction is not cleared.
In the case of infants, safely turning the baby upside down and delivering a few firm back slaps may dislodge the object. For adults, encouraging them to cough and applying back slaps are initial steps to take. If this is unsuccessful, you may need to perform the Heimlich maneuver, and if that fails, seek emergency medical care immediately.
It's important to note that young children are especially prone to choking due to a mix of curiosity and lack of understanding of the risks. Objects that adapt to the shape of the pharynx, such as certain foods, can pose choking hazards to both children and adults.
